The Borno State Government has declared a cholera outbreak in the state, with 451 cases reported thus far as a result of heavy flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam.
Flooding has ravaged Maiduguri and the adjacent areas, displacing about 2 million people, destroying health facilities, claiming lives and property, and disrupting portable water and electricity supply.
Professor Baba Malam Gana, the Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, verified the cholera epidemic during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center in Maiduguri on Friday, October 4, 2024.
“We are having a cholera outbreak in Borno State, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days,” Gana stated.
The commissioner ascribed the outbreak to the state’s recent severe floods, which displaced over two million people and destroyed essential health infrastructure.
“Risk factors include poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene, open defecation, poor food, and water storage, insufficient portable water supply to the entire populace, high population density, especially in IDP camps, ceremonies, and other congregate settings,” the commissioner explained.
The impacted local government areas are Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno.
“I appeal to all line ministries, agencies, departments, and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses in order to control the current cholera outbreak,” Prof. Gana urged.
Commending Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s efforts, Prof. Gana said, “I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing succor to flood-affected communities, massive infrastructural developments, especially in the health sector, employments, and approval/allocation of 15% budget for the health sector in 2024.
“The media has a vital role to play in partnering with the government to appropriately inform, sensitise, create awareness, and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it,” Gana emphasised.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli